Admissions

As an open-admissions institution, CCAC does not require college entrance examinations. To enroll as a full-time student, applicants must have a high school diploma or Pennsylvania GED certificate or must be at least 18 years of age with experience reasonably equivalent to a GED.

Online Learning

If you are self-motivated, work well independently, and meet deadlines easily, then our flexible delivery of college courses using the latest technologies can put an associate's degree at your fingertips.

Student Life

At CCAC, we believe that life outside the classroom is an important part of your college experience. Each CCAC campus has a variety of activities to enhance your lifestyle – including athletics, cultural events and personal development seminars.

Workforce Development

Education and skills are essential for today’s changing economy. The competitive global environment rewards workers who possess sound general knowledge that enables them to adapt to changes in the workplace and continually learn new job skills.

Newsroom & Marketing

The award-winning Public Relations and Marketing Department works to promote CCAC and its activities through strategic, cost-effective advertising and marketing campaigns, college publications and overall branding efforts, among other activities.

Educational Foundation

The CCAC Educational
Foundation is the fundraising and benefactor arm of the college. It seeks to
create vital connections between the college and the wider community
to ensure the ongoing viability of the college.

Remote Placement Testing

CCAC offers free placement testing on each campus. However,
remote placement testing is available to applicants outside the
geographic region. You may take the Accuplacer Placement Test(s) at
any authorized Remote Accuplacer testing site after signing up for
the test through the CCAC Counseling Office (instructions below).
Remote testing centers typically charge an administration fee
between $20 and $45. The CCAC Counseling Office will determine the
appropriate test package and assist in locating a testing center
where you can take the test.

Have the following information handy before signing up

College transcript with transferable English or Mathematics
credits (if applicable)

A current, active email address

Schedule a Remote Placement Test

Contact the Allegheny Campus Counseling Office at 412.237.2565
or 412.237.2764

You will speak with a counselor to determine the appropriate
test package and to sign you up for testing at a remote test
site.

What To Expect Once You Are Signed Up

You will receive an e-mail confirmation with detailed
instructions for scheduling your test

At the time of your test, you will be required to present a
valid, government- issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state
ID, passport, etc.) and the Voucher Number assigned to you in your
confirmation e-mail

You will need your CCAC ID number in order to log on to the
test

All necessary testing materials will be provided for you at the
testing center

The test is computer-based and is untimed

You should allow approximately 2 hours for the entire test
session

You are permitted to retest in any or all portions of the test,
one time only by obtaining permission from
the Counseling Office where you originally signed up for your
test

After you have completed your test and scores have been posted
to your record at CCAC, you will receive an e-mail with "Next
Steps"

Prepare for the Accuplacer Placement Test

It is strongly recommend that you practice prior to your
appointment. Accuplacer offers numerous free resources to help you
prepare. Test descriptions, sample test questions, free interactive
study app, Writeplacer ESL Guide and more are available at Prepare for Accuplacer. If taking a mathematics test, we recommend that you also practice
at the following websites: Cool Math, Purple
Math, Khan Academy.

Exemptions from Taking the COMPASS Placement Test

Math: If you have an SAT Math score of 520 or higher; or, an ACT Math score of 21 or higher, you are eligible for MAT108 or its equivalent. If you are seeking placement in a higher level math course, you may need to take the Math portion of the placement test.

Reading: If you have an SAT Critical Reading score of 510 or higher; or, an ACT Reading score of 21 or higher, you are exempt from the Reading portion of the placement test.

Writing: No exemptions. All must take the Writing portion of the test.

If you have successfully completed college-level English and/or mathematics at a College or University accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, you may not be required to complete a Placement Test. However, you must provide a copy of your college transcript when you meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.

Placement Testing Tips

Placement tests are free.

You may retake each test once.

Tests subjects are English vocabulary and usage, mathematics and reading comprehension.

Placement tests are offered at regular times throughout the year, with extra testing sessions scheduled prior to each registration.

Early testing means early registration: the sooner you test, the better your chances of getting into the courses you want to take.

The length of time required to take the placement tests varies, depending on how many of the tests you need to take. The complete set of tests requires about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. All materials you will need to take the tests will be provided when you come to the test session.

Your responsibility is to arrive well rested, calm, and on time. Test results are available to you shortly after you have taken the tests.

Test results will be interpreted for you when you meet with your academic advisor.

Practice prior to your appointment. Accuplacer offers numerous free resources to help you prepare. Test descriptions, sample test questions, free interactive study app, Writeplacer ESL Guide and more are available at Prepare for AccuplacerIf taking a mathematics test, we recommend that you also practice at the following websites:Cool Math, Purple Math, Khan Academy.